ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
PRESS RELEASE
Government of India  has the mandate of implementing National Food Security Act, 2013 for ensuring food security to about 80 crore beneficiaries of the country. To meet the fund requirements of the State Government for implementation of the scheme, DFPD releases food subsidy to States. For this purpose, specific MoUs are signed with respective State Governments and the States are required to adhere to the conditions laid down in the MoU. The entitled amount of food subsidy is calculated on the basis of extant guidelines, Provisional Cost Sheets, opening and closing balance of stocks, procurement, allocation and distribution of food grains under NFSA & Other Welfare Schemes, FCI reconciliation, Utilization Certificates, etc.
2. Department of Food & Public Distribution  has been regularly releasing the admissible food subsidy to Odisha Government as per MOU signed with the State Govt. DFPD reimburses expenditure of State Government incurred on distribution of food grains under Targeted Public Distribution System  / Other Welfare Schemes , up to 95% of variable cost and up to 100% of fixed cost. The food subsidy is released after deducting the inferior quantity of food grains, as indicated by the inspection team of DFPD/FCI.
3. For the last four years, all States are updating their distribution data on Annavitran Portal and accordingly, submitting their subsidy claims duly reconciled with the Portal’s data. Certain amounts are withheld temporarily by this Department because of reasons like difference in distribution figures claimed by State Government vis a vis as available on Annavitran Portal, Non-submission of Audited Accounts for finalization thereof, quality related matters etc. This is a uniform approach adopted for all the States.
4. During the last four years, Rs.30285.92 crore has been released to Odisha Government. Recently, an amount of Rs.2084.90 crore has been released to the State.
Ministry of Defence
First Training Squadron at Antsiranana, Madagascar
As part of Indian Navy's Overseas Deployment, ships of Indian Navy's First Training Squadron, Indian Naval Ships Tir, Sujata and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi, arrived at Antsiranana, Madagascar, today on
01 Oct 19 for a three day visit. The Senior Officer of First Training Squadron is Captain Varun Singh, who is also Commanding Officer of INS Tir.
The Indian Navy's First Training Squadron, under the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command based at Kochi, imparts training to Officer cadets of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard as well as from Friendly Foreign Countries. The training curriculum of the cadets includes subjects like Seamanship, Navigation, Shiphandling, Boat Work and Engineering which is imparted onboard 1TS ships including Sail Training onboard the IN Sail Training Ships Tarangini and Sudarshini.
During the port call, the Senior Officer of First Training Squadron will call on various dignitaries and government officials of Madagascar and Malagasy Navy including Commandant of Madagascar Naval Forces. Professional interactions are planned with the Malagasy Navy towards enhancing co-operation between the two navies. In addition, social engagements, sports events and best practices will also be shared between the two Navies. Further, the ships would be open for visitors on 02 Oct 19.
Madagascar and India have traditionally enjoyed warm and friendly bilateral relations, sharing common values of democracy and development. There have been regular high level exchanges and interactions in numerous fields between both countries. Bilateral Defence Cooperation is being progressed through regular interactions between the governments of the two countries.
Indian Navy ships are regularly deployed overseas as part of Indian Navy's mission of building 'bridges of friendship' and strengthening international cooperation with friendly countries.
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Ministry of Food Processing Industries
Food Processing Sector Contribution in GDP
The Gross Value Addition  in food processing sector has increased from Rs. 1.79 lakh crore in 2016-17 to Rs.2.37 lakh crore in 2020-21 at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate  of 7.27 %. The GVA for the last three years and recent year 2020-21 were as under:

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2017-18
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2018-19
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2019-20
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2020-21
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Gross Value Added
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1.93
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2.36
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2.26
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2.37
No target is set for the food processing sector for creating employment opportunities and increasing its contribution in GDP. However, the food processing sector contributes 12.2% of employment in the registered manufacturing sector. Various schemes and policy initiatives being implemented by the Ministry results in increased contribution of the sector to India’s GVA. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries implements the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana  which inter–alia aims at creation of modern post-harvest infrastructure, boosting value addition, providing better returns to farmers, creation of employment opportunities etc. In addition, the Ministry is also implementing the PM-Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises  Scheme for providing financial, technical and business support for setting up/upgradation of two lakh micro food processing enterprises across the country. A new Production Linked Incentive scheme  for Food Processing Sector is being implemented to support creation of global food manufacturing champions. This scheme will also create more employment opportunities and higher exports for the sector.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Communications
Department of Posts issues clarification regarding newspaper reports of stamp release on gangsters
It has been reported by media that 'My Stamp' on alleged criminals Chhota Rajan and Munna Bajrangi have been made by a Post Office in Kanpur. In this regard rules provide that a customer can get 'My Stamp' printed of himself, family photograph/photo of friends, relatives etc on occasions like birthdays, retirement, greetings etc. for which customer has to sign a declaration clearly stating that -
"Customer shall not submit any image which may contravene the law or erode any moral values of society or which are against the interest of any third party, country or India Post. In particular, the image shall not contain or imply or suggest any of the following: Anything illegal, offensive, insulting or immoral, Anything dishonest, deceptive or unpatriotic, Any religious or political content".
In this case, the above conditions have been breached by the customer. In the application form also, no declaration has been given by the customer about the photographs he submitted.
All concerned have been advised to follow the instructions so as to avoid such occurrences in future.
Special Service and Features
3.25Kg Gold worth ~ 1.45 Crores seized by Chennai Air Customs
Based on intelligence, Customs officers intercepted and examined the baggage/person of the following:-
• One male Indian passenger arriving from Bangkok via flight No. FD-153 on 10.11.2022, after examination, 9 Nos of Gold Cut Bits weighing 474 gms has been recovered which was concealed in his under-garments.
• Two male Indian passenger arriving from Dubai via flight No. 6E-66 on 11.11.2022, after examination, 6 bundles of Gold totally weighing 13 70 gms found concealed in their rectum was recovered.
• Two female Indian passenger arriving from Colombo via flight No. UL-125 on 11.11.2022 after examination, Assorted silver colour coated Gold Jewellery totally weighing 730 gms found concealed in their hand baggage was recovered.
• Two male Indian passenger arriving from Dubai via flight No. EK-542 on 11.11.2022, after examination, Gold cut bits and chains totally weighing 680 gms found concealed in their checked-in baggage was recovered.
The above recovered items were seized under the Customs Act, 1962, according to a press release issued by M.Mathew Jolly, Pr. Commissioner Customs, Chennai International Airport.
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Cabinet
Cabinet approves Central Goods and Services Tax  Bill, 2017
Cabinet approves Central Goods and Services Tax  Bill, 2017
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for the promulgation of the Central Goods and Services Tax  Ordinance, 2017 and replacement of the Ordinance by the Central Goods and Services Tax  Bill, 2017.
The Ordinance has extended the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 referred to as  to the State of Jammu & Kashmir.
The Ordinance has been promulgated on 8th July, 2017 and the Central Goods and Services Tax  Bill, 2017 will be tabled in the current session of the Parliament.
President's Secretariat
President of India receives first copy of book “PRESIDENT Pranab Mukherjee – A Statesman”
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee received the first copy of a book “President Pranab Mukherjee – A Statesman” today  from Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi who formally released it at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Speaking on the occasion, the President expressed his gratitude to The Statesman for bringing out a photo essay on the 13th Presidency. He confessed that he was initially unwilling when the idea of the photo essay was first suggested by The Statesman. He wondered about the benefit the photo essay would have since the engagements of the President are all in public domain. However, he was convinced by Shri Ravindra Kumar and Shri R. P. Gupta from The Statesman in this regard who stressed that it was necessary to archive important events for posterity. This was so because the day -to- day news coverage of the Presidency has currency only till the next headline comes along. He was also persuaded to agree by the fact that a request had come from The Statesman, a newspaper that he literally grew up with as a Bengali. He said that he has had a long association with The Statesman and most of the time they had agreed to disagree.
The President said that art and creative abilities transcend the boundaries of time and geographical borders. Their appeal is universal. He appreciated the wonderful photos taken by Shri Varun Joshi from The Statesman that feature in the photo essay. He also expressed his gratitude and deep appreciation to Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi who was present on the occasion to release the book.
Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi said that the photo essay was important from the historical prospective. The photographs in the book immortalize history and also show the humane side of the President of India who is an inspiration for all of us.
The book “President Pranab Mukherjee – A Statesman” has been published by The Statesman, one of India’s oldest English-language newspapers. This book, a comprehensive photographic record of India’s 13th President, covers Shri Mukherjee’s Presidency and documents his various roles including those as a humane first citizen, as a thought-leader , as a patron of educational institutions & the arts and as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces etc.
Prime Minister's Office
PM hosts delegation of Women Students from Nagaland at his residence in Lok Kalyan Marg
Delegation is visiting Delhi as part of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative
PM engages in a freewheeling interaction with the delegation
Students discussed a wide variety of topics with PM like his vision for North-East, his experiences in Nagaland, importance of Yoga etc
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi hosted a delegation of Women Students from Nagaland at his residence in Lok Kalyan Marg earlier today. The Delegation is visiting Delhi as part of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative.
The students expressed their happiness on meeting the Prime Minister. In a freewheeling interaction, they discussed and sought views of the Prime Minister on a host of topics like, his vision for North-East, his experiences in Nagaland, importance of Yoga etc.
During the interaction, Prime Minister enquired the students about their experience of visiting and exploring various tourist places in Delhi. He also advised them to visit PM Sangrahalaya and the National War Memorial during their stay in Delhi.
The meeting of the Delegation with the Prime Minister was organised by the National Commission for Women.
NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog convenes India’s Electric Mobility Enablers under G20 Presidency
Goa, July 19: The "Policy Support & Enablers to Accelerate India's Electric Mobility" conference organized by NITI Aayog, charted an effective roadmap for the growth of electric mobility in India. Organized on the side-lines of the fourth Energy Transition Working Group  meeting under India’s G20 Presidency, the conference brought national and international stakeholders on a common platform to showcase the growth of India’s electric mobility ecosystem and deliberate viable pathways for further growth.
The event has culminated enriching discussions around themes such as ‘Develop Vibrant EV Ecosystem in States’ and ‘the National Electric Bus Programme’, a bold and visionary initiative that aims to revolutionize public transportation in India. Further, it has also witnessed high level dialogues, G20 talks around Electric Vehicle Finance Innovations and Future Electric Mobility Landscape.
India's EV market is expected to grow at an impressive compound annual growth rate  of 49% from 2022 to 2030. India is taking rapid strides towards achieving its target of 30% EV market share by 2030. The growth of EVs will not only impact the country’s economy positively but also bring significant social and environmental benefits – accentuating India’s economic growth along low-carbon pathways, thereby facilitating our net zero vision of 2070.
In his inaugural address, Shri Suman Bery, Hon’ble Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, said, “The Indian EV industry's expansion serves as a catalyst for job creation, generating approximately 5 million direct and indirect employment opportunities by the end of the next decade. This presents us with a unique chance to address the dual challenges of sustainable urbanization and unemployment, ensuring a brighter future for our citizens and our planet.”
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Pramod Pandurang Sawant, announced, "Starting from 2024, all new tourist vehicles will be mandated to be electric, marking a significant leap in Goa’s commitment to eco-friendly transportation. Moreover, permit holders overseeing multiple vehicles, including rental cars and bikes in Goa, will play a pivotal role in our mission by electrifying 30% of their fleet through retrofitting by June 2024."
Shri Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, emphasized the need to maintain the EV momentum in India. He said, “In line with the Prime Minister's vision for EVs revolving around the 7 Cs - Common, Connected, Convenient, Congestion-free, Charged, Clean, and Cutting-edge, we must electrify 100% of 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers, and 65-70% of buses by 2030. A low-cost financing framework, a robust charging infrastructure, and collaborative efforts among central, state, and city authorities, all underpinned by a consistent policy framework, will shape the future of e-mobility in India.”
Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Ministry of Corporate Affairs & SEBI enter into pact to tighten regulatory oversight
A formal Memorandum of Understanding  was signed between the Ministry of Corporate Affairs  and the Securities and Exchange Board of India  for data exchange between the two regulatory organizations here today. The MoU was signed by Shri K.V.R. Murty, Joint Secretary, MCA and Smt. Madhabi Puri Buch, Whole Time Member, SEBI in the presence of senior officers from both the organisations.
The MoU comes in the wake of increasing need for surveillance in the context of Corporate Frauds affecting important sectors of the economy. As the private sector plays an increasingly vital role in economic growth, the need for a robust Corporate Governance mechanism becomes the need of the hour.
In the picture: Shri KVR Murty, Joint Secretary, MCA  and Smt. MadhabiPuriBuch, Whole Time Member, SEBI 
The MoU will facilitate the sharing of data and information between SEBI and MCA on an automatic and regular basis. It will enable sharing of specific information such as details of suspended companies, delisted companies, shareholding pattern from SEBI and financial statements filed with the Registrar by corporates, returns of allotment of shares, audit reports relating to corporates. The MoU will ensure that both MCA and SEBI have seamless linkage for regulatory purposes. In addition to regular exchange of data, SEBI and MCA will also exchange with each other, on request, any information available in their respective databases, for the purpose of carrying out scrutiny, inspection, investigation and prosecution.
The MoU comes into force from the date it was signed and is an ongoing initiative of MCA and SEBI, who are already collaborating through various existing mechanisms. A Data Exchange Steering Group also has been constituted for the initiative, which will meet periodically to review the data exchange status and take steps to further improve the effectiveness of the data sharing mechanism.
The MoU marks the beginning of a new era of cooperation and synergy between the two regulators.
President's Secretariat
VICE PRESIDENT OF DOMINICAN REPUBLIC CALLS ON THE PRESIDENT
The Vice President of Dominican Republic, H.E. Ms Raquel Peña Rodríguez called on the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today .
Welcoming the Vice President on her first visit to India, the President said that the timing of this visit is very apt as India and Dominican Republic are marking the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. She noted that bilateral relations between the two countries are warm and friendly, anchored on the strong foundation of shared values of democracy, and a broad convergence of views on global issues.
The President noted that the Dominican Republic is India’s 8th largest trading partner in Latin America. She was confident that there is potential to further diversify the trade basket. She said there is scope for working together and exchanging our experience and expertise in the areas such as pharmaceutical products, marine science, meteorology, disaster resilient infrastructure and digital payments technologies.
The President said that capacity building is one of the central pillars of India-Dominican Republic cooperation. She was happy to note that recently, India has organized two Special ITEC training courses for Dominican Republic officials, in the critical fields of cyber security and remote sensing.
The two leaders agreed that continued exchanges and contacts between India and Dominican Republic would further strengthen our bilateral ties.
Ministry of Finance
DRI seizes 3004 kg of Heroin at Mundra - arrest of eight persons
In its continued crackdown on smuggling of Heroin into India,Directorate of Revenue Intelligence  detained two containers on 13.09.2021for examination that had arrived at Mundra Port from Kandhar, Afghanistan via Bandar Abbas, Iran. The containers were declared to contain Semi-processed Talc Stones. Detailed examination of the containers led to the seizure of 2988 kgs of heroin from the two containers on 17.09.2021 and 19.09.21.
The heroin was concealed in jumbo bags said to contain unprocessed talc powder. The heroin was placed in the lower layers of the bags. The heroin was then topped with Talc stones to avoid detection. Resultantly, the heroin had to be painstakingly separated from the Talc Stones.
Immediate follow-up operations were carried out in New Delhi, Noida , Chennai, Coimbatore, Ahmedabad, Mandvi, Gandhidham and Vijaywada. This led to recovery of 16.1 kgs of heroin from a Godown in Delhi, 10.2 kgs powder suspected to be cocaine and 11 kgs of substance suspected to be heroin from a residential place in Noida.
A total of eight  persons including four  Afghan nationals, one  Uzbek National and three  Indian nationals have been arrested in the case so far. Thearrested Indian Nationals include the holder of the Import Export Code , which was used to import the consignment. He was arrested from Chennai. Investigations are in progress.
RM/KMN
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Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
An Australian delegation meets Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar to discuss cooperation in disability sector
The Australian delegation appreciates the progress in implementing the MoU between the Govt. of India and Govt. of Australia for cooperation in disability sector
Dr. Virendra Kumar lauds University of Melbourne and DEPwD for developing a six month course on Community Based Inclusive Development  Programme
Both the sides agree to constitute a Task Force for developing courses/module in rehabilitation sector including mental health rehabilitation
An Australian delegation comprising officials from University of Melbourne today called on Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar at his office to discuss various issues related to cooperation in disability sector and the way forward.
The delegation comprising Prof. Michael Wesley, Dy. VC, Prof. M. Ashok Kumar, Assistant Dy. VC, Prof. M.O’ Briyan, Dean Faculty of Science, Prof. Nathan Grills and Ms Lisa Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Australia-India Institute primarily discussed the progress on implementation of the MoU, signed between the Government of India and Government of Australia for cooperation in disability sector on 22 November, 2018. The members of the Australian delegation appreciated the progress made so far in implementing the MoU.
The areas of cooperation in the aforesaid MoU inter-alia include disability policy and delivery of services, early identification and intervention for prevention of disabilities, community outreach, education and training, capacity building and promoting investment in disability sector. University of Melbourne is the implementing agency from the Australian side as designated by the Australian High Commission, New Delhi for implementation of the MoU.
Dr. Virendra Kumar appreciated the contribution of University of Melbourne and DEPwD in developing a six month course on Community Based Inclusive Development  Programme, which has since been rolled out in 16 institutions across the country in a pilot basis. He suggested that once the National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation  becomes fully functional, the University of Melbourne could play a significant role in capacity development of the institute through exchange of training programmes.
The Union Minister also observed that both NIMHR and University of Melbourne could work together for undertaking joint research and developing model and Standard Operating Procedure for rehabilitation of persons with mental illness.
Both the sides have also agreed to constitute a Task Force for developing courses/module in rehabilitation sector including mental health rehabilitation. The National Institutes under DEPwD will also collaborate with University of Melbourne under the MoU.
Secretary, DEPwD, Ms Anjali Bhawra and her team comprising Shri Rajesh Yadav and Shri Rajeev Sharma, Joint Secretaries and other officers were present during the discussion with Australian delegation.